Transforming Lives: Ann Manzi Center Renovation Kick-Off Sets Stage for Enhanced Support in Westchester

On June 20, The Arc Westchester, the largest organization providing services and support to people with developmental disabilities in Westchester County, successfully hosted the Phase II "Construction Kick-Off" for the Ann Manzi Center at 699 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY. Those in attendance included Pasquale DeBenedictis of Remus Industries, Site Work Contractor; Chris Murphy, Founder and Owner of Murphy Brothers Contracting; Kristin Springer, Facilities Director at The Arc Westchester; CJ Murphy, Project Manager at Murphy Brothers Contracting; Nicole Bernard, Treatment Coordinator at The Arc Westchester; Patty McGuire, Community Day Services Director at The Arc Westchester; Steven Masket, President of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; Michael Briganti, Member of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; Ian Mueller, Architect for the project; Avery Valens, Assistant Director Day Services at The Arc Westchester; Joe Manzi, Son of Ann Manzi for whom the Center is named and a friend and supporter of The Arc Westchester and The Ann Manzi Center; and Elaine Masket, Member of The Arc Westchester Foundation Board of Directors; John Barrett, Member of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; J. Michael Cindrich, Mayor of Mt. Kisco; Karen B. Schleimer, Trustee of Mt. Kisco; Abby Reuben, Member of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors; Karen Manzi, Program Participant at The Arc Westchester; Barry Clark, Executive Director of The Arc Westchester Foundation; Tibi Guzmán, CEO of The Arc Westchester; and Erika Pierce, Westchester County Legislator.

Elected officials included J. Michael Cindrich, Mayor of Mount Kisco, Karen B. Schleimer, Trustee of Mount Kisco, and Legislator Erika Pierce.

The Arc Westchester embarked on a significant renovation and improvement project at the Ann Manzi Center, a crucial Day Service hub in Mount Kisco. With Phase I interior renovations completed in 2018, the kick-off marked the commencement of Phase II, a larger and more comprehensive project that includes many additional elements on the interior and exterior. Funding for the project comes from donors such as the Manzi family, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, and other benefactors of The Arc Westchester Foundation. The Foundation continues to seek additional funding for capital improvements across The Arc Westchester’s various facilities, including day service sites, residences, the clinic, and the preschool.

For people with developmental disabilities, the Ann Manzi Center holds a significant role beyond being just a facility. It's a lifeline, providing vital daily support for them to flourish. As enhancements to the quality of care and medical progress make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to live longer and in better health, it is becoming increasingly important that spaces and supports are created specifically for the growing aging population. The improvements to the Ann Manzi Center will serve as a model for enriching the lives of seniors and others with developmental disabilities throughout Westchester County and beyond.

The renovation project will bring about a complete transformation of the Ann Manzi Center. Nestled on over 3 acres of picturesque green space, the revamped Center will offer upgraded facilities and a natural environment for the hundreds of individuals it serves annually. The renovation plans encompass an accessible nature walking trail to promote holistic wellness and physical fitness, particularly for the aging population. Additional improvements include expanded parking, improved security and lighting, an enhanced entryway and awning, ADA-compliant bathroom renovations, and other essential functional and aesthetic enhancements. These changes are indispensable for the Center to continue to provide the highest quality of service for the supported population.

Through the support of The Arc Westchester Foundation's benefactors, The Arc Westchester continues to innovate and provide groundbreaking programs and facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

About The Arc Westchester

The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people on the autism spectrum, and their families. The organization’s 700 employees provide nearly 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.

The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc New York. For more information, visit arcwestchester.org